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Belgian coach Luc Eymael’s controversial return to South Africa faces a major hurdle after the South African Football Association (Safa) announced that it intends to oppose his application for a work permit in home affairs.
Chippa United shocked the nation’s soccer fans when the Eastern Cape club named the Belgian minutes after firing Lehlohonolo Seema on Wednesday afternoon.
The decision by United owner Siviwe Mpengesi drew attention when the Belgian was fired with immediate effect by the Yanga Africans of the Tanzanian Premier League in July for calling the club’s fans “illiterate and cute”.
Safa recorded its dissatisfaction with Mpengesi’s decision in a statement issued after the confirmation of Eymael’s appointment.
“The South African Football Association has learned with consternation the news of the appointment of the unrepentant racist, Luc Eymael, as head coach of Chippa United FC,” Safa said.
“In July this year, Safa joined the rest of the progressive world in condemning Eymael after he was fired by Young Africans FC in Tanzania for referring to the club’s supporters as monkeys and dogs who know nothing about football.
“We find it deeply offensive that since the global soccer community is united in solidarity around the Black Lives Matter campaign, Chippa United FC would see fit to hire a character to work in the city named after the founding father of the nation “Tata Nelson Mandela, the champion of a world free of racism and other forms of discrimination.
“Safa will immediately write to the Minister of the Interior to express his objection to the granting of a work permit for him.
“We will also ask the FIFA and Safa Ethics Committees to indict Mr. Eymael because his despicable conduct is a violation of the codes of both bodies.”
Eymael, who joined Yanga Africans in January from the Absa Premiership team Black Leopards, is no stranger to controversy and had a cool relationship with outspoken Mamelodi Sundowns manager Steve Komphela during his time in South Africa.
The Africans from Yanga issued a strongly worded statement in July after Eymael’s discriminatory and racist remarks and said the Belgian must leave the East African country.
“The Yanga Club management is saddened by the rude and discriminatory statements made by their coach Luc Eymael and spread on social media,” the Tanzanian club said at the time.
“Some of those statements by coach Luc Eymael (include) accusing the fans of being uneducated‚ the people of this country are stupid ‚the fans don’t know football, their job is to shout like monkeys and ducks‚ the club leaders they are zero and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) exists only for Lions.
“Due to these racist statements, the Yanga Club management has decided to fire coach Luc Eymael as of today (July 27, 2020) and make sure he leaves the country as soon as possible.”
Yanga Africans management also apologized to the country’s leadership and the public.
“Yanga’s leadership apologizes to the country’s leaders, the Tanzania Football Federation leadership, Lions Club leaders, members, fans and fans of Yanga, as well as the general public for the offensive statements. and insulting coach Luc Eymael.
“Yanga Club values and believes in the principles of discipline and dignity, and opposes any form of discrimination.”
Eymael has reportedly apologized for his comments and it remains to be seen whether he will be allowed to work in South Africa.
The controversial mentor coached Leopards, Free State Stars and Polokwane City in South Africa.
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